Nonprofit
Weil Legal Innovators Program - Public Service Fellowship for Rising Law Students
Details
Description
The Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) program engages incoming law school students in addressing some of the most pressing social and legal challenges in our communities today. Each WLI class comprises 10 incoming law school students who plan to attend a J.D. program at one of our law school partners. Innovators defer their first year of law school to work at a partner nonprofit organization for a paid public service fellowship, executing a strategic initiative designed to leverage their passion for justice and commitment to public service, while amplifying the impact of the nonprofits and their important missions.
Innovators will work with senior staff to help to drive change within a wide spectrum of organizations that are at the forefront of social impact – from nonprofits that are fighting economic inequality, wrongful convictions and global climate change, to organizations that are helping to develop and catalyze the next generation of change leaders.
ELIGIBILITY
All students who have been accepted to a J.D. program at one of the thirteen WLI law school partners are eligible to apply. Eligibility is open to students with prior professional experience, as well as students applying directly to law school from an undergraduate institution. Eligibility is subject to confirmation that the applicant can attend orientation during the WLI Conference in New York City from July 14-16, 2025 (travel expenses and hotel accommodations will be covered by Weil).
Positions offered through WLI are not eligible for visa sponsorship. All Weil Legal Innovators Program participants must demonstrate U.S. work authorization within three business days of hire.
2025-2026 NONPROFIT PARTNERS
The 2025-2026 WLI Program offers 16 Innovator fellowship opportunities at 10 leading nonprofit organizations based across the United States.
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas
- Clooney Foundation for Justice
- Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
- Graham Windham
- Innocence Project
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- National Women's Law Center
- United Way of New York City
- Upsolve
- World Wildlife Fund
Note that in-person and remote work expectations varies by nonprofit organization. For full details on each organization's remote work policy, please visit our website.
The Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) program engages incoming law school students in addressing some of the most pressing social and legal challenges in our communities today. Each WLI class comprises 10 incoming law school students who plan to attend a J.D. program at one of our law school partners. Innovators defer their first year of law school to work at a partner nonprofit organization for a paid public service fellowship, executing a strategic initiative designed to leverage their passion for justice and commitment to public service, while amplifying the impact of the nonprofits and their important missions.
Innovators will work with senior staff to help to drive change within a wide spectrum of organizations that are at the forefront of social impact – from nonprofits that are fighting economic inequality, wrongful convictions and global climate change, to organizations that are helping to develop and catalyze the next generation of change…
Benefits
WHAT DO INNOVATORS RECEIVE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION?
- $60,000 in compensation for the fellowship year, plus benefits
- A one-time $10,000 law school scholarship awarded upon starting first year of law school at a WLI partner institution
- All expenses paid trip to New York City for the program’s three-day conference at the beginning and end of the fellowship year, during which fellows engage in trainings, networking and celebratory activities with other fellows, alumni and Weil attorneys and staff
- An opportunity to work at and learn from a leading national or international public service organization
- Direct access to mentorship opportunities with attorneys and professional staff at various levels
- A guaranteed opportunity to interview for the Weil Summer Associate Program with dedicated support from the Weil Legal Innovators network.
- Professional development trainings from leading instructors in the academic, for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
WHAT DO INNOVATORS RECEIVE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION?
- $60,000 in compensation for the fellowship year, plus benefits
- A one-time $10,000 law school scholarship awarded upon starting first year of law school at a WLI partner institution
- All expenses paid trip to New York City for the program’s three-day conference at the beginning and end of the fellowship year, during which fellows engage in trainings, networking and celebratory activities with other fellows, alumni and Weil attorneys and staff
- An opportunity to work at and learn from a leading national or international public service organization
- Direct access to mentorship opportunities with attorneys and professional staff at various levels
- A guaranteed opportunity to interview for the Weil Summer Associate Program with dedicated support from the Weil Legal Innovators network.
- Professional development trainings from leading instructors in the academic, for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Location
Associated Location
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025-2026 Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) Program are now open.
APPLY BY MARCH 17, 2025
For more information and to apply, please visit our website: www.weil-legal-innovators.com
To speak to a member of the WLI team, please contact us at legalinnovators@weil.com@weil.com
Applications for the 2025-2026 Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) Program are now open.
APPLY BY MARCH 17, 2025
For more information and to apply, please visit our website: www…
